How do you relax despite having kids?

[mim1]

I've found relaxing is more of a challenge with a child. How do you switch off at the end of a crazy day? Or is it just straight to sleep the moment the kids are quiet cause you know you'll be up again soon enough?

I work full time and I'm struggling to come up with suitable relaxation options to fit around my daily chaos. I used to watch tv or read a book or go for a walk. Now, I have to watch children's tv, reading a book involves a story suitable for a 3 year old and we have trouble fitting in a walk between when we get home and when we need to start my ds's bedtime routine.

My ds stopped going to bed easily a few weeks ago and has only started settling well again in the last few days. When he was awake til 10pm for those 2 weeks I nearly went crazy as I just couldn't relax at all. I'm still extremely drained. So any suggestions on how to relax in amongst chaos would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Cordelia]

mim :hugs:

dont know if this would work for you but I try and have as much of dinner made already (eg. slow cooker, frozen leftovers, always frozen veges).

We eat early (probably won't work for you) at 5:30 and have family time with bedtime routine up until 7. and then i put on my load of washing, load the dishwasher, tidy the house and get ready for the day after. THis usually takes us up to 8

And then at 8 we sit down regardless and have "me" time - usually sitting on facebook, tv, reading etc...

adn then at 9 we turn everything off and go up to our bedroom which we've kind of made our kid-free sanctuary and talk/play board game/pray/past week we've watched the tennis :laughing:

I just found it handy to have set chunks of time set aside for different things. Then you can actually focus on what you are supposed to be doing (eg. relaxation)

I'm a routuine nazi though - i hope you can figure something out for yourself so you don't drive yourself nuts!

[Hokey Pokey]

I don't get time to relax :cool:

[xxchloexx]

when i go for a bath! but even sometimes i dont get to relax then cause DS sits at the door! so i gotta try and make DF play with him out side! or sometimes i take DS to daycare earlier then usual and have time to myself if im not in a rush!

[MummaFug]

Hi Mim :)

I know EXACTLY where you are coming from and I dont work.

My new years resolution was to find some 'me' time so I have been revisiting some past hobbies to see if I still like them.

So far I have done 1 1/2 puzzles (and not the 20pc type). I found that I can sneak up to the table for 15min blocks while the kiddies are occupied and it just gives me a little break. Also seeing it there - reminds me that I need ME time.

Have a bath... i LOVE my bathtub and I leave DH with DS to read books and I lock myself in the bathroom with a magazine. Lots of bubbles, a glass of wine and a candle :D

I also bought a small (ok, this is kid size) cross stitch. I am SO not an artistic person but thought it would get my mind on something else.

Crosswords - I grab a hot chocolate and do a crossword.

Or I just VEGE in front of the tv :)

DH and I have 1 night a week where we play boardgames/backgammon and just talk stuff.

I am also VERY VERY lucky to have a massage place downstairs that will come up to my apartment and give me a foot massage while I watch a movie :p YES, this is true and you are welcome to come and visit me whenever ... :)

GoodLuck in finding that relaxing time for YOU

[SammiJane]

When i get time i read....but normally im too tired when i go to bed..which is the only time i get quiet time.

My other me time is work lol

[Pax]

I never feel relaxed :( havent for 17 years when i pushed out my first beautiful responsibility.

[Pina Colada]

I wait until the kids are asleep. Be it 7pm or on a bad night 9pm. Then I lay on the couch and watch DVD's. Until too late. Sometimes 11pm. Then I am tired and grouchy next morning, but I love my me time.

I have 3 kids under 4. I don't get me time in their waking hours!!

[MunchiesMummy]

mim :hugs:

adn then at 9 we turn everything off and go up to our bedroom which we've kind of made our kid-free sanctuary and talk/play board game/pray/past week we've watched the tennis :laughing:



:yelclap: That sounds lovely!!! I might start doing that!

OP - hmm well we put DD down at 7pm and then do dinner together and then just watch tv, facebook etc.

I am also a massive fan of the bath. Bubbles, light some candles, soft music and sometimes a glass of bubbles or a wine - I sink into that bad boy and dont emerge for at least 1/2 hour!!

:australia:

[MrsTiggyWinkle]

I go on BH! Or veg in front of the TV... or sometimes at lunchtime if they both go to sleep at the same time I will read a book and have a cuppa.
Other than that there is not much me time. I used to embroider, I would do it at night with the TV on and always felt like I had accomplished something. Now I just dream of having the energy to pick up a needle! :laughing:

[Amara]

I just make the most of the time when he is asleep. I watch tv, read or go online. The trick is to not spend all your spare time doing housework. I work 3 days and am a single mum so I have to make sure I do this to keep the stress levels down. I go to bed around 11.30 at night so even if he is up late I still get me time. I am usually up at 6.30 to 7 and still get enough sleep.